temperamental

adjective

ˌtem-p(ə-)rə-ˈmen-tᵊl How to pronounce temperamental (audio)
Definition of temperamentalnext
1
as in moody
frequently influenced by moods and especially bad moods one of those temperamental actresses who can make life difficult for everyone around her

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in volatile
likely to change frequently, suddenly, or unexpectedly stock prices have been pretty temperamental lately, often fluctuating wildly

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of temperamental Weather can be temperamental in the spring, but wildlife emerges from winter slumbers at this time of year. — Maryam Siddiqi, Travel + Leisure, 14 Aug. 2026 As the lead singer of Connect 3, Shane can be temperamental and arrogant. — Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026 Ormund, the snooty, temperamental head of House Hightower, is shown charred beyond recognition in the episode's final moments. — Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026 The temperamental Moon in your 11th House of Friends squares passionate Mars in your 8th House of Intimacy and Shared Resources, stirring tension around trust, contribution, and control. — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for temperamental
Recent Examples of Synonyms for temperamental
  1. moody
  2. volatile
  3. impulsive
  4. unpredictable
  5. unstable
Adjective
  • The real gem of Forth is Il Premio, a glam Italian steakhouse that would make any mob wife feel right at home with its moody lighting, mahogany tones, black subway tile, and a playful horse motif.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026
  • It’s filled with old-world charm (overstuffed couches, moody lighting) but also turns into a lively scene in the evenings.
    — Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of moody
Adjective
  • The researchers focused on volatile elements such as sodium, zinc and potassium, which evaporate easily at high temperatures.
    — Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Gonzales pointed to the volatile state budget’s dependence on tax revenue from wealthy Californians, some of whom have proactively moved out of the state because of the proposal.
    — Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of volatile
Adjective
  • Low self-control, in contrast, is a core contributing factor to numerous problems, including substance abuse and impulsive buying.
    — Joan M. Cook, Time, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Cage has answered with the impulsive, erratic, and frenzied style now allegorized in Spider-Noir as Reilly’s inner monster.
    — Harmon Siegel, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of impulsive
Adjective
  • Conflict in mining regions, disputed licenses, slow permitting, and unpredictable enforcement have long deterred Western investors, while Chinese operators have been better able to absorb those risks.
    — Ruben Nyanguila, semafor.com, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Long Tiddie Short Story is unmistakably her — honest, unpredictable and incredibly funny.
    — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of unpredictable
Adjective
  • Climate scientists say as temperatures rise ⁠glaciers in the Himalayas retreat, leaving behind unstable glacial lakes held back by little more than loose rock and ice, above valleys home to millions.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Volcanoes National Park urged visitors to keep their distance from the unstable cliff edges to avoid putting themselves, or first responders, in danger.
    — Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of unstable

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Cite this Entry

“Temperamental.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/temperamental. Accessed 8 Oct. 2026.

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